Snowbirds Alumni Association INC.

A 500 member, 4-day alumni reunion was held in 2022 to celebrate the Snowbirds’ Golden (50th) Anniversary. The association approached us to design a variety of banners and other signage to decorate and direct members around the reunion hall.

Project Requirements

Project Overview:

The 50th Anniversary Reunion of the Royal Canadian Snowbirds Air Demonstration Team will feature multiple banners and signage throughout the event venues, including a “selfie station.” These designs will be thematically connected and include sponsor recognition and branding elements that celebrate the milestone occasion.

Design Considerations:

• Maintain consistency across all banners with a cohesive theme.
• Incorporate existing Snowbirds Alumni and 50th Anniversary logos.
• Ensure legibility from a distance.
• Use high-resolution sponsor logos while considering print clarity for lower-quality files.
• Maintain a professional yet celebratory aesthetic.

Scope of Work:

Design and provide print-ready files for:

1. Sponsor Recognition Banners (4 types, 2 copies each = 8 banners)

• Platinum/Gold Sponsors (1 platinum sponsor + 7 gold sponsors on a single banner)
• Silver Sponsors (Approx. 13 logos)
• Bronze Sponsors (Approx. 13 logos)
• Friends of the Snowbirds (7 logos and 3 individual donor names)
• Banners will have a white background with sponsor logos and a “common thread” design tying them together.
• Approximate dimensions: 2 feet wide by 3-4 feet high.

2. Venue Signage (6 banners)

• Bulkhead Welcome Banner: 41″ x 71″ over the hotel lobby entrance to the Snowbirds Lounge (main ballroom). Features “Welcome Snowbirds” message with the 50th Anniversary logo and Alumni logo.
• Entryway Banner: 18″ high x 70″ wide. Featuring “Snowbirds Lounge” branding, incorporating the historical reference “See you at ’56.”
• Feature Wall Banner: 76″ high x 80″ wide inside the ballroom, reinforcing the Snowbirds Lounge branding, 50th Anniversary messaging, and dates.
• Selfie Station Banner: A large banner designed as a dedicated area for attendees to take photos. Dimensions to be determined but should allow multiple people to stand under or in front of it.
• Bar Directional Banners (2): Small banners over each bar within the ballroom, incorporating event logos and simple directional text.

3. Retirement Tribute Banners (2 total)

• Honoring retiring members Dan McLaren and Bud Granley.
• Approximate size: 3 feet wide by 6 feet high.
• Space for attendees to sign with Sharpies.
• Includes congratulatory text, years of service, anniversary logos, and thank-you message from the Snowbirds.

Design Approach

1. Visual Consistency – A “common thread” that ties all the banners together, ensuring a unified look across different placements and sponsor levels.
2. Hierarchy & Readability – Consider the placement, size, and arrangement of elements to maximize visibility and clarity, especially for sponsor logos and event messaging.
3. Branding & Legacy – Integrate the Snowbirds’ history and identity, incorporating elements like the number “56” for nostalgic significance and creating materials that serve as long-lasting memorabilia.
4. Adaptability & Functionality – Adapt existing logos and designs for different formats (banners, credentials, signage) while maintaining their integrity, ensuring print clarity, and accommodating venue-specific constraints.
5. Engagement & Experience – Include interactive elements, such as a selfie station, and ensure signage effectively guides attendees while enhancing the event atmosphere.

Overall, the approach balances aesthetics with functionality, ensuring that the designs are not only visually compelling but also serve their intended purpose effectively.

Client Reaction

Summarized from a variety of communications: “Andrew’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence were invaluable in bringing our event to life. His quick thinking and last-minute assistance ensured everything was prepared perfectly, even under tight deadlines. The sponsor banners, ballroom signage, and tribute pieces were not only visually stunning but also deeply resonated with our team and guests. Andrew’s willingness to go the extra mile, making adjustments on the fly and even offering additional design work at no charge, speaks volumes about his dedication. The results exceeded expectations, and we couldn’t have done it without him. Thank you, Andrew, for your outstanding support!”

Mike Cook, Treasurer – Director – Snowbirds Alumni Association